[18 August 2014] UPDATE: Two Tibetans involved in the Loshu protest on 12 August have died, one from untreated wounds, the other committed suicide whilst in detention. There are accusations the Chinese authorities are denying medical treatment to those injured during the protest. According to sources quoted by Radio Free Asia, a 22-year old Tibetan male, as yet unidentified, died on 17 August from injuries received during the protest which were not subsequently treated. The sources also said another Tibetan, Lo Palsang, committed suicide whilst in detention in protest against torture by the Chinese authorities. There are serious concerns over the condition of the remaining Tibetans injured during the protest. Initially they were taken to hospital but are now reported to have been transferred to the Loshu detention centre and denied further medical treatment. Several of the wounded are still believed to have bullets in their bodies. The exact number of Tibetans injured and detained following the Loshu protest is still not known. Further reading: Radio Free Asia Ten seriously injured as Chinese police open fire on protestors [15 August 2014] At least ten Tibetans were seriously injured when Chinese police fired into a crowd of protestors in Sichuan province on 12 August. The protestors were calling for the release of a village leader detained the day before. Many Tibetans are reported to have been detained and beaten, others have gone into hiding and security has been tightened in the region. The protest, involving hundreds of Tibetans (pictured right), took place in Loshu township, Sershul (Chinese: Shiqu) county, Kardze (Ch: Ganzi) prefecture, Kham (now incorporated in Chinas Sichuan province). The protestors were calling for the release of Dema Wangdak, a village leader who had been arrested the day before. Chinese police violently suppressed the protest, using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the crowd, as well as beating protestors. At least ten Tibetans were reported to be seriously injured with gunshot wounds (pictured right). The wounded were taken to a hospital in Jyekundo (Ch: Yushu). The exact number of wounded, their identities and condition are not known. After the crowd was dispersed, security was stepped up in the region and communication lines cut. Many Tibetans are reported to have been detained, though the exact number is unknown. Others are said to have gone to the nearby hills to hide. According to Radio Free Asia, many of those that remained have been interrogated and tortured by the Chinese security forces. Dema Wangdak (pictured right), 45, was taken from his home in Denma Shugpa village at midnight on 11 August and arrested by Chinese police. Local sources say Wangdaks arrest resulted from an earlier altercation with Chinese officials. Wangdak, who has a reputation for standing up for the oppressed and vulnerable in his community, is said to have complained to the Chinese authorities over the harassment of Tibetan women by senior Chinese officials at a cultural event. The authorities responded by accusing Wangdak of holding an illegal prayer ceremony at a local horse festival. The current condition of Dema Wangdak is not known and it is not clear if any charges have been made. Wangdaks son and brother are amongst those shot and injured during the protest. Further reading: BBC I Reuters I RFA I TCHRD I ICT Tibet Society, the world’s first Tibet support group, was founded in 1959. Funded by its members, it has been working for over 50 years to seek justice for Tibet through parliamentary lobbying, campaigns and actions. Help keep Tibet alive by joining Tibet Society today. Annual membership £24; Family £36; Life £500. Join Tibet Society I Donate More details about membership
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 10:44:03 +0000
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